Karl ;

 I have followed this piecemeal .Now , I have to say the trees brought it to life .That's why I tell my staff at the Museum - C'mon guys , more trees ! I hope it was recieved well .  T.B.

Hey !

 You mentioned the crannies . Did you get to the nooks too ? LOL.LOL Very nice job so far .

TigerII

Hey Doog,

Some great work. The different color foliage of the trees really throws this vignette over the top. Very impressive.

 

Hey Doog,

Some great work. The different color foliage of the trees really throws this vignette over the top. Very impressive.

fermis

I did find the kit, on Amazon...ordered! 

Finally!

This is a little bigger than I was expecting!!!

Tanker - Builder

Hey Karl !

 That castle is gorgeous .Now I gotta say it is way more beautiful than my "Metal Earth " model of this structure .  T.B.

 

Hey Karl !

 That castle is gorgeous .Now I gotta say it is way more beautiful than my "Metal Earth " model of this structure .  T.B.

the doog

Cool story, Fermis! ANd I remember that church--we have a photo of it ourselves! We went to Berchtesgaden too, to the "Eagle's Nest". Awesome!

 

Glad you like the castle. Hope you can find one of these models to build--they're rather rare. Good luck in your quest, I hope you can do one for your wife as well!

 

I did find the kit, on Amazon...ordered!

The day was a bit too short to make it up to the Eagles Nest....BOOOO...but we did see it (kinda) from down on the road.

mustang1989

This is just simply amazing Karl!!! Really good use of color and magnificent detailing. The work you put into this beauty really paid off.........BIG!!!

 

fermis

Another late comer!...I really dig this idea...x-mas present! My wife would LOVE it....searching for that kit NOW!!!

My wife and I went there last December, with my parents (they were stationed in Erlangen/Nuremberg back in the early 70s). Stayed in Nuremberg, our first "trip" was to this castle...beautiful place! A great time, we had!

My favorite was a parish church of St. Sebastian, by Berchtesgaden. We were driving along, and I recognised the church from my parent "slide shows" (remember those?!!!). I had to get a picture. We stopped, I hopped out, walked across a bridge...looked back, over my right shoulder (which was odd, as the church was more to my left)...jumped out to a boulder in the stream, squated down for this pic...

When I got back to the car...my mom had a tear running down her cheek..."Uh...what's up, ma?"...she said she watched my Dad cross that very bridge...look back over his right shoulder (she even mentioned that that was odd), jump out to the very same boulder, squat down for the picture, just the same as I did...but 40 years ago.

Anyway...I'm stealing this x-mas present idea!!!

Great work!

 

Glad you like the castle. Hope you can find one of these models to build--they're rather rare. Good luck in your quest, I hope you can do one for your wife as well!

This is just simply amazing Karl!!! Really good use of color and magnificent detailing. The work you put into this beauty really paid off.........BIG!!!

Another late comer!...I really dig this idea...x-mas present! My wife would LOVE it....searching for that kit NOW!!!

My wife and I went there last December, with my parents (they were stationed in Erlangen/Nuremberg back in the early 70s). Stayed in Nuremberg, our first "trip" was to this castle...beautiful place! A great time, we had!

My favorite was a parish church of St. Sebastian, by Berchtesgaden. We were driving along, and I recognised the church from my parent "slide shows" (remember those?!!!). I had to get a picture. We stopped, I hopped out, walked across a bridge...looked back, over my right shoulder (which was odd, as the church was more to my left)...jumped out to a boulder in the stream, squated down for this pic...

When I got back to the car...my mom had a tear running down her cheek..."Uh...what's up, ma?"...she said she watched my Dad cross that very bridge...look back over his right shoulder (she even mentioned that that was odd), jump out to the very same boulder, squat down for the picture, just the same as I did...but 40 years ago.

Anyway...I'm stealing this x-mas present idea!!!

Great work!

WOW! That just doesn't say it - at all! I love this. Of all the dioramas I've ever seen this is by far my favourite. I've seen everything from the stone age to Star Wars to Madam Tuseuds' house of wax, but this is just too awsome! The foliage, and the weathering make me feel as if I'm looking a pictures in a magazine article. This is a pretty good size model. I wish that I was more inclined to build things like this, but as I get older I find that doing a lot of the things that I wish I could have either the time, or space for I'm less, and less motivated to do. I know that this is an old thread, but I'm glad that I finally got to see it. I'm also glad that someone revived it - it needed to be! Thank you very much for sharing this with us. The tiny Doog, and Jenn figures are a neat touch.

~ Cobra Chris

hi Doog

you're welcome.

Do you have a log on here about your Heavy Metal Muscle car?

Thanx

Lol, I would have to be a Japanese castle since I don't know of any German giant monster movies. Though I guess I could have a giant (1/12th scale) George S. Patton rampaging across The Fatherland... 

Thanks, Cliff. That's a fun idea you have. I don't know if it would work with this one becaiuse of where it's situated in the mountains, but you could always get one of their Japanese styled buildings.

This was a real labor of love for me. :)

That is awesome Karl, I'd seen these before but had no idea how good they look when built up! I'd thought about buying one of the Japanese castles to use with a Godzilla or Gamera figure. Not sure I could do it the justice you did here. 

Xena: Thanks for kicking this to the top, so many cool things posted here before I joined the forum that I've missed. 

Xena

hi Karl

 

I know i am very late posting here now but i have to say this is AMAZING!!! I am so blown away right now that i really cant find any words strong enough to express my amazement and wonder at the beauty and detail of this castle. Its so beautiful and stunning and matches the lady its meant for .

 

Thank you for the link you sent, its really awe-inspiring and exciting to see how it was done, makes one appreciate it even more. I have said it before and i will say it again and every single time, you are an absolutely amazingly talented and gifted individual, mr Logan.

 

 

 

 

hi Karl

I know i am very late posting here now but i have to say this is AMAZING!!! I am so blown away right now that i really cant find any words strong enough to express my amazement and wonder at the beauty and detail of this castle. Its so beautiful and stunning and matches the lady its meant for .

Thank you for the link you sent, its really awe-inspiring and exciting to see how it was done, makes one appreciate it even more. I have said it before and i will say it again and every single time, you are an absolutely amazingly talented and gifted individual, mr Logan.

Boba Fett wrote:

What scale were the boots?

the doog wrote:

Boba Fett wrote: Well, how could she not love it? Your work simply amazes me! Now you need to think up something good for her birthday... LOL! I got her clothes and boots--we went on a little shopping trip! Her birthday is/was December 29th! Thanks again, Boba Fett! Thaks too sincerely, Sam, Huxy, and Buddho!

What scale were the boots?

Thanks a lot, Stern0 and Mike! Wow, I've never been bowed at by so many Smileys! LOL!

I appreciate your kind comments, guys! I know Jenn will too (she has this post bookmarked now as well! ) 

(Hi honey!!! ...) XOXOXOX!!!)

Karl - I apologize as I missed this one. I love the perspective with the paint jar. After looking at this all I can say is

Rounds Complete!!

Mansteins revenge wrote:

Nice model...and I like what she's holding too...

Thanks, guys; Jenn will appreciate the comments, I'm sure! I appreciate the nice sentiments!

Hope you all have someone like her to hold this New Year's Eve!

Agree with all the above.  Any gift is better when you know the giver spent so much time and effort on it!  And, like everyone else, I'm a bit amazed at the sheer SIZE of the thing!

Good work, good gift, and great smile.  

Michael 

doog: Glad to see a photo of your sweetheart holding the gift...the items in the previous pic's for were nice...for scale, but pale in comparison to the look of joy on her face...nicely done, and glad to hear she was thrilled!!!  Actually the castle is bigger than I thought...

I have a cool pic' of a King Tiger...it won the theme award at AMPS EAST, I think it was "Heavy Armor"...it was very well done, thought you might like to see it, I'll shoot you a PM!

the doog wrote:

Just an update, for those of you wondering.... Jenn was blown away by her castle; she loved it immensely! Here's something funny--she got me a "Neuschwanstein 3-D puzzle" to put together before I gave her the model! LOL! We were definitely on the same wavelength--as we always are!  Here's her with her present:

Doog

Still waiting for you to show us you pretty mugshot with the 3-d puzzle.   Don't be shy, the camera won't break.  And by the way we won't laugh (not)......  You lucky devil.  Two masterpieces in one photo op.

John

John

Summit wrote:

Doog That is a True Honest Happy Smile - you just dont see those everyday.   I like her new Haircut !

) I'll tell Jenn you liked it! She was worried when she cut it--she donated the length to some cancer society.

Doog

That is a True Honest Happy Smile - you just dont see those everyday.   I like her new Haircut !

Boba Fett wrote:

Well, how could she not love it? Your work simply amazes me! Now you need to think up something good for her birthday...

Thanks again, Boba Fett!

Thaks too sincerely, Sam, Huxy, and Buddho!

Birthday idea: Build the puzzle, weather it, wrap it up

Really, doog... That castle in her hands, it just looks so god damn real! and finally we got to know it's size real life for real       But really, it is so god damned well done...

-Huxy 

awesome stuff, doog...

her great big smile = job well done!

Just an update, for those of you wondering....

Jenn was blown away by her castle; she loved it immensely!

Here's something funny--she got me a "Neuschwanstein 3-D puzzle" to put together before I gave her the model! LOL! We were definitely on the same wavelength--as we always are! 

Here's her with her present:

I hardly ever use the adjective... it's soooo OVER USED, but that is freak'n "AWESOME" !

Well done! I luv looking at it. A feast for the eyes!

Doog

You are a Master. Stunning!!

pordoi wrote:

Man, that is impressive.  Even though you mentioned the scale earlier on, seeing it in relation to the 1/35 fig and other items really gives perspective and highlights the fine work that you did.    And Professor Big Brains School Project accessories,....    gotta love it.  Don

 Ditto!!

 My wife was impressed as well. Always enjoy everyones pics. Thanks for sharing them and the tips. This forum truly rocks!!  Rock on!!

                                                 60

pordoi wrote:

Man, that is impressive.  Even though you mentioned the scale earlier on, seeing it in relation to the 1/35 fig and other items really gives perspective and highlights the fine work that you did.    And Professor Big Brains School Project accessories,....    gotta love it.  Don

Man, that is impressive.  Even though you mentioned the scale earlier on, seeing it in relation to the 1/35 fig and other items really gives perspective and highlights the fine work that you did. 

And Professor Big Brains School Project accessories,....    gotta love it.

 Don

Doog!!!  

   That is some FANTASTIC work you are doing; so small, but without the comparison photos the *scale* is difficult to eyeball.     Excellent!!!  

   An "eye level" castle photo like the one near the end of your album, with a 'real sky' background and in-sunlight, would be visually deceptive to say the least!    I'm sorry I haven't found this thread until tonight, Doog, but certainly glad I did now and will go through it slowly the next time to see how you did it!     Beautiful work!  

   Thanks!!

   Frank

IBuild148 wrote:

Can you tell us what is next?

I'm cirrently working on a DML 1/35 KIng Tiger with pre-molded zimmerit. I'm thinking I'm going to do it in a winter whitewash camo. Check the armor forum for an update soon!

doog,

I/We are always impressed with your work and detail. Again you have not disappointed and your girlfriend will love it.

Can you tell us what is next?

Thanks again, Papa-John, (funny comment about the "bigger Jenn"! LOL!) MECHTECH, ( I did that, with the figures! ), warhorse3, Bushi, and G-girl!

G-girl if you use the "Search" feature here, and type in a cartain member's name, you can find a lot of builds from any one person here. Or check out this thread....paste it into your address bar. A lot of my biuilds are there too.

/forums/1015583/ShowPost.aspx

Doog I am just....... Speechless. My wife loved the reason why you built this. Now she wants me to build something, unfortunaly it has to do with remodeling project on our house.

Jeff

the doog wrote:

Thehannaman2 wrote: very nice Doog.  You know, you'd make one hell of a model railroader. Thanks, hannaman! I've never been much into model railroads--the trains are already built!

I model railroaded for almost 30 + yrs, It wasnt about the Trains really it was building the scenes, buildings, realistic mountains ect - just one big Dio to be honest,  and for my scale HOn3 (Narrow Gauge) the locomotives and rolling stock came from kits.  You have just been looking at the wrong stuff

Doog , if you were to move the larger figures back further from the castle gate, I think that they would fit in more with the perspective (as in a photo of a highway taken while standing in the middle of the road) view. {Artistic impression}

Then you can show the better figures with the unknown expectations to come.

Maybe....?????

I still think it's a nice job though.

the doog wrote:

Well, thanks, guys, for all your compliments and opinions on the figures! I appreciate it, as always! I think what I'm going to do is to put the larger figures back in, and give it to her with the option of having the smaller, more-correct-to-scale figures in there if she wants. I'll just include them in a little baggie. Somehow I think she'll like the two bigger ones; they really do look like "us" to be honest! Thanks again, all!

Fat chance Doog, lots of luck.  Betcha she will pick the bigger figure for her and the little figure for you.  She is the big figure head in the household.  Oh well, try to figure women out.....You will find instructions at the library in the Unsolved Mystery Section.

Just funnin'.  Fantastic work Doog.   She will be pleased.   How may brownee points is this...

PaPa-John

Thanks again, Marc, Brad, and plasticjunkie!

I wish I saw that show, Marc!

Brad--build that house!

pj--I would have loved to see Linderhoff!! That place looked amazing in the brochures!

Hey doog.... I saw your castle on TV last night. It looked like it anyway and I think Neuschwanstein is whatthe narrator was saying. There was a shot that like just like your pic of the gate. The show was on PBS called "The Rape of Europa". It is about the the works of art that were looted from thier countries and brought to Germany.  One of the big storage places was the Castle Neuschwanstein. Great show worth watching.  I knew all thsi happened but not on the scale they talk abou.

I hope all that isn't a repeat of some post back on page 2 or something like that

I'll keep looking, I've got lots of time.

I also have the old Marx White House kit; I've often thought about tackling that one, and you're giving me inspiration to break that out and put it together.

@plastickjunkie-where'd you get your avatar?  I've seen it before, that exact picture, on a local cable radio station's polka show.  I figured it has to be from the Oktoberfest, or a similar festival.

Regards,

Brad

I have been to the real one and Ludgwig's other castle (Linderhoff) just west of Oberammegau. Your model looks stunning, specially the Fall colors on the trees. Great job!

Sorry, doog, just having a little fun with you!  Your work is fantastic, it looks like the real thing!

I like your idea bout the black paper to block out the see-through-simple, effective, an elegant solution.

It's a really neat kit, and you've inspired me to track one down.

Thanks for sharing your SBS with us!

Brad

Well, thanks, guys, for all your compliments and opinions on the figures! I appreciate it, as always!

I think what I'm going to do is to put the larger figures back in, and give it to her with the option of having the smaller, more-correct-to-scale figures in there if she wants. I'll just include them in a little baggie.

Somehow I think she'll like the two bigger ones; they really do look like "us" to be honest!

Thanks again, all!

doog: I took a closer look at your shadow work and what I was describing was a bit different, but that's neither here nor there...it looks great...I REALLY like this doog...excellent work...as always!!! Dang that thing is tiny!  I saw the earlier posts with the figure but when you added the ones with the car and tank it made more sense.

Let us know what Jenn says after you give it to her!

wing_nut wrote:

First let me say...WOW... nice workon that doog. The figs on the rght looks a bit more in scale but you (that is you, right?) look s like he been in the saddle way too long and should be calling eveyone 'pilgrim"

LOL That's funny! I was thinking the same thing! They look great though, Doog. Much more in scale now.

First let me say...WOW... nice workon that doog.

The figs on the rght looks a bit more in scale but you (that is you, right?) look s like he been in the saddle way too long and should be calling eveyone 'pilgrim"

OK, guys--if you're looking here stil...what do you think about the new figures I got here? They're more in-scale, but do they look OK? The old ones are on the left, the newer ones on the right. WHat do you all think?!

The new ones:

Do they look OK? Here's the actual size we're talking....

Thehannaman2 wrote:

very nice Doog.  You know, you'd make one hell of a model railroader.

I've never been much into model railroads--the trains are already built!

the Baron wrote:

Wahnsinnig, echt wahnsinnig!  Es ist Dir gut gelungen, Dein Schloßlein sieht ja aus wie das echte Hauserl von inserem liaben Kini, dem oiten Ludwig.  Eine Zauberarbeit, meine ich, gut getroffen! Ös grüaßt aus Bethlehem Brad

Mijn Deutsche ist schleckt, und bitschen!

Boba Fett wrote:

the doog wrote: Boba, I wouldn't wat to take Matt's job, LOL! He's too busy and frazzled as it is, as I understand it, LOL!   'K. How bout Aaron Skinner's job?

Wahnsinnig, echt wahnsinnig!  Es ist Dir gut gelungen, Dein Schloßlein sieht ja aus wie das echte Hauserl von inserem liaben Kini, dem oiten Ludwig.  Eine Zauberarbeit, meine ich, gut getroffen!

Ös grüaßt aus Bethlehem

Brad

the doog wrote:

Boba, I wouldn't wat to take Matt's job, LOL! He's too busy and frazzled as it is, as I understand it, LOL!

'K. How bout Aaron Skinner's job?

Thanks, Jon--you know, you're probably right about the figures; they are a bit large.

I have actually found some white metal figures--I actually think that they are 1/144 or so? They come with some teeny-tiny white metal tanks that I bought years ago. There'a halftrack crew--two soldiers--that look appropriate. I'm putting "hair" on them right now () and we'll see how they paint up....gotta leave the castle doogs in there, however....

It may be a little late to mention this... Someone-- probably Preiser-- makes 1/144 figures. You could surely get some of those and modify them in a month's time. Maybe a memeber here could find a couple of extras in their stash you could use, folks around here are pretty good at helping out.

I think it looks great. The fall colors are perfect for the castle. The only thing I don't think goes well is the figures, they look too large; I think you'd both be 10 feet tall! Hmm... maybe you are. Anyway, the 1/144 figures may work for you, at least it's worth finding out how big they are.

I compared some of your pictures to the real thing...WOW... you really nailed this one! Here are a couple of links for comparison:

http://www.abschweb.de/archiv/2005/9/schloss.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u244/heydoog/neuschwanstein/zfinishedphotos19.jpg

smeagol the vile wrote:

Now we have to wait till christmas to see her reaction...  Thats just a pain of a wait.  Give it to her now!

She knows I built her something, but doesn't know what!

Thanks, so much, for all the nice compliments, guys! I sincerely do appreciate them!

I wound up going with the 1/220 figures, with two that were not as "tall" as the others. I'm satisfied with their size; they were really the only other option left to me--the 1/350 figures were way too small.

Again thanks for all your compliments!

Boba, I wouldn't wat to take Matt's job, LOL! He's too busy and frazzled as it is, as I understand it, LOL!

doog,

WOW...  words... they... I... it's.... I mean, the way you... WOW...

And those figs!  Let me see here, Jenn must be the one with the SHORT hair, right?

I just can't praise you enough. You really know how to get to the female heart, Karl. That's why you musicians get all de wimmin. What a great gesture to your girl (great gimmick, too). Really, though, fine work on this project and beautiful touch with the figures. Now to make sure MY wife doesn't see this or I'll never hear the end of it. Come to think of it..... Thanks a LOT, doog!        

 Beautiful work doog. Especially when you see how small this is. When I saw the pics looking up at the castle and if I had not seen it next to the other models I would have sworn it was much larger.

Wow Karl... this is awesome!

You're certainly a great armor builder, but I like this better than anything I've ever seen you build before. Maybe it's because I just enjoy seeing something "different" on the forums, but seriously... what incredible work. You've put as much care and skill into this as anything else you've built - and your girl will be able to tell, if she's anything like mine.

Making it an "autumn" scene worked out great... all those bright colors in the trees really liven up the white castle walls. It really came to life for me once the trees were in place. And those little figures look great... they are what really lend the sense of scale to the whole scene.

Jenn is gonna FREAK when she sees it... Good job dude!

Kevin

Wow! That is some beautiful work doog! The figures and beagle really add a lot to the scene.

Simply amazing... Your work is, well.... Damn... Don't have a word...

TA DA!!! 

Here it is--DONE!

To finish it, I wanted to add some more fullness to the trees and their leaves, as well as fill in the groundwork to reflect the fallen leaves in their respective coors. To do this, I mixed up a couple different mixes of colors--some are straight bright colors, othrs are mixed in with brown groundwork. 

To adhere them, I simply sprayed the vegetation with Dullcoat, and sprinkled the powders carefully onto the trees and ground--that's all there was to it, really, I did two or three passes.

Afterward, It added body to, and brought into harmony the ground and the different colored trees. I sealed it all with another coat of dullcoat.

And yes--there's me and Jenn, just about to enter our beloved Neischwanstein! And coming up the walk there is the castle beagle, "Sunset Snoopy the IIIrd"--what's a csatle without a Castle Beagle? LOL! 

I even tried to simulate the painting on the main building that you see when you first walk in.

More pics, more angles...

And Hans stepped in with his "Sturmbottel" of Red Brown paint to provide some scale; thank you, Hans...

Man, it's just like we could walk back in!..I think that the scale turned out pretty close, don't you? What do you think, guys?

OK; enough talking...enjoy the rest of the shots!

And that's "Eddie"--the castle Great Dane marking his territory under the tree--Jenn would want a Great Dane; she's always telling me that they're "great apartment doogs!" LOL! Uh....we'll talk about it, honey....!

And here's some perspective shots, next to my 'Bee, and my 1/35 Revell JagdpanzerKanone...

Well, that's it guys! 

Apologies to dial-up users! And thanks to anybody coming over to have a looksee from Armor! I'll be back there in no time at all--I've already broken into the stash and have some plastic flying!

Comments, questions, and crit's always welcomed and appreciated!

the doog wrote:

The 1/350 figures didn't work out--but luckily, the 1/220 figgys did--there were some shorter figures in the group of 100 that I got, and they look just fine!

Be sure to save the 1/350 figures for the Bismarck or Yamato that you are bound to build someday.  

Well, thanks a million, guys, for all the kind compliments and praise!

I'm finished with this, and will post the finished pics tomorrow. 

The 1/350 figures didn't work out--but luckily, the 1/220 figgys did--there were some shorter figures in the group of 100 that I got, and they look just fine! 

I'm actually "modifying: them right now to look like me and Jenn--I'll see you tomorrow with the finished pics!  ..........

OMG!!!

That just looks incredible, doog! Incredible!!  (can I have it?)

Steve

Thanks, Warhorse, and Robert!

I don't know about a ship any time soon, Warhorse--still too many tanks to deplete in my stash!

"Unique" it certainly is, Robert! Personally, I think it would be cool to do an entie line of famous castles! Even some cool "ruins"! I'd be busy for years! LOL!

Well, here's another update of what I got done today--TREES!!!

Here is a photo of the groundwork, airbrushed to add some more texture and to tone down the delineations of color somewhat:

Here's the trees I'm using--gotta love those Woodland Scenics products!

Starting in--there's the glue I use, and some of the pieces..

dip one into the pool of glue,...

and tamp it down...that's really all there is to it. This glue is so thick, it bonds it pretty strongly.

..some trees needed to be drilled into the base and fixed with superglue..

...bend the trunk to make it stand up straight..

The back of the castle have more conifers...

Here's where I am so far--the glue is still wet in some places....admittedly, the trees look a bit haggard yet--I have a plan to fix that. I'll trim them up and fill them out a bit more after the glue dries. But --- enjoy!

Some "forced perspective" shots--just like you're there! 

Well, Jenn's staying over tonight, so I won't have any time to do anythingmore til tomorrow, late afternoon...maybe I can finish it by Monday? 

OH yeah--gotta modify and paint up those 1/350 figures yet too...I hope I can make them work?

Thanks for looking guys!!!!

Aw, Manny and Steve--thanks for being so kind!

I have to say that I was pretty pleased at the way the colors turned out!

Steve--I don't think you'll see me doingany sci-fi kits or ships anytime soon! But hey; one never knows?!

3 things I think about when looking at this project, doog:

- the realism for such a tiny scale (I should mention here that the idea of black construction paper blocking out the light is fasntastically, brilliantly simple, andI would never have even thought to do that)

- what can't you model?

- I want to get back to Germany really badly. Unfortunately, germans aren't as into Americana rock as they were back in the late 90's.

Steve

Boba Fett wrote:

Question, is the "ground cover" static grass? Or is it something a little more like lichen? By the way, why does scenic cement never hold my grass? Even after applying tons of it then letting the stuff dry for a good 48 hrs, it never sticks! Anyway, excellent work (again).

Why? I would have no idea? It SHOULD, if you're using white glue. You have to really put a good smattering of static grass down tooo--put a thick application so that you can't see any glue through it, and then take a big poofy paint brush and tamp down the grass on top of it. This will make sure if sticks. Then just give it 10 minutes, and turn the model/base over and let the excess fall off. Blow across the rest of it to give it some "lift" and let it dry thoroughly.

By the way--I don't use just plain ol' Elmers--I use that thicker white craft glue. It's the same stuff basically, but a LOT thicker.

Thanks, George, namrednef, Alex, and Bill!

George,; I know --these are hard to find! I was really lucky to find this one--I couldn't believe it! And I got it relatively cheap too. Thanks for taking the time to comment! 

namrednef--LOL! If I took pictures now, I'd have nothing but about 6 inches of snow in the photos! Boo to snow! (As my bike gently weeps!)

ALex--hat would have been a great idea! I wish I thpught of it earlier, and had the time to plan it! I have to get this done pretty quick here, though before Jenn hits her college break for the end of the semester, because then she'll be over here pretty often, so I'm kinda on a deadline! Great idea though!

And Bill--I'm already thinking of that myself?.....we'll see?

Really first-rate job doog! The groundwork really makes it pop!

I'm sure you've got some ideas about backdrops for your completion pics. It occurred to me that living where you do, with a bike ride around a couple of the nearby lakes I'm sure a backdrop similar to your original pics could be found.

Unfortunately, all the leaves are gone now!

Hi doog,I don't post often,but, you got me on this.IT IS FANTASTIC!!!!

I  have tried looking for one on the bay but I have had no luck so far.

I would love to try this,although I could not come close to your work.It would be a blast!!!I think you are on the right track with the PE for Jenn and you.

You had better have the kleenex handy on Xmas for her and there might be some fun under the mistletow, if you know what I mean.

hkshooter wrote:

Looking awesome, Doog! You gonna do trees? I love the shots with the trees.

Thanks, Huxy,  Boba Fett, and hkshooter!

Boba Fett, all I did was put down thick white craft glue, and the sprinkle liberal amounts of grass powder over it, let it dry, and shake/blow the excess off. That's all there is to it, honestly!

I'll have another update tomorrow!

Looking awesome, Doog!

You gonna do trees? I love the shots with the trees.

There's so much to say about this... but it is... just simply awsome!

Awsomeness greatly work! yaywhooo! really, it cheered me up!

Keep it up, Idool!  

Thanks again, guys, for all the comments!

Manny--the ban on photography is, I believe, because of the effects of light on some of the colors and pigments used in the art which is like, literally everywhere on the walls, cielings, etc. This prohibition was also in place in the Kaiserburg in Nurnberg-no photos. There it was explicitely told that the harsh lights ofthe flashes would harm the tapestries and paintings, as the pigments were degraded by time and already fading.

Either that, or it's a marketing strategy--they want you to buy the book? LOL!

Thanks, Steve, fo rthe suggestions on the shadowing, but I've already done that! I don't know if you can see it in the photos, but I have shaded the insides of some of the buildings, and in the creases of the towers where they join the buildings.

Here's some more pics of the groundwork started.

First of all, I didn't dig this--AIR SPACE!!!! See how you can see through the castle? Not very "castley"! 

...so I rolled some black construction paper up into the buildings' hollows, and cut the bottoms off to block the light....

And then I coated the base with glue, worlking it into the corners with a brush....

And then I added some Woodland Scenics ground cover, mixing two shades--"Harvest Gold" and "Dark Green". And here she is....

The back waall has more rock than vegetative matter...

There's a inner "lawn" with a tree to be added soon...

You might notice that I've stippled the inner walls a bit to impart the illusion of "bricks" too..

Looking like you could step through the door!

I think that groundwork looks ok, but I've already airbrushed it after sealing it overnight woth some dullcoat, to prevent flyaway when airbrushing it. New pics tomorrow!

Thanks for looking in guys!

Comments welcomed as always!

Thats a great project. I thought it was 1/220 in which case your Z guys should be correct, but maybe the kit maker lied... wouldn't be the first time, would it?

I've never been there but I've got a book about the interior- the entry hall is neo-BYZANTINE!! which rocks mightily.

doog: I have to open by saying that in your picture in the intro to this thread I'm not sure who has nicer hair...you or Jenn!...

Cool subject man, you're such a romantic you're making the rest of look like a bunch of bums,  I'm sure Jenn will love it!, wear a knight's outfit when you give it to her, I'm SURE it will be a great "night"...  Ok, more visual than I needed!

Being in the architectural genre, this is right up my alley!...and I think what you need to do to really set this off is add shade and SHADOWS!  When I present to clients one of the best finishing touches I add to renderings are shadows, they help the building jump off the paper.  I think you could the same with this.  Study the actual photo for sun angles and colors and have at it!...ADD them!  By placing the building in "sunlight", similar to the photos, you'll see that the colors of the walls are different as you move around the building.  Some are brighter (more sun) some are darker (in shade), etc...This is tricky and a bit more involved than my brief description here but I trust by your abilities and knowledge you get my jist. (again, REALLY look at your photos)  You pull that off doog and a Sir to your name will be a must!...like that whole knight thing I got going here???!!!!

Then...you could somehow work a photo of the backdrop behind your castle (keep the sun angle in mind and build the dio' to be viewed accordingly) ...I'm sure you have some photos that would work! You'd have a castle, with landscape, in context!  You may even want to see if some "z-scale" railroad figures are available and throw a mini doog and Jenn in too!

I'll be curious to see how the groundwork goes...the chroma on that stuff you buy at the LHS for model railroading is strong..keep that in mind...

Anyway, looks cool doog, hope this input helps...

the doog wrote:

acmodeler01 wrote: How was the inside of the castle when you went? I hear it's not as striking as the exterior. Thanks again, guys! I do appreciate all the "positive waves" going around here! LOL! The interior of the castle is amazing--what there is of it! There's only one floor finished! ALl construction stopped when Ludwig II mysteriously drowned--ie, murdered.  The ostentatious riches is mind-blowing, really. You simply can't believe that anyone could actually live in those rooms. YOu don't even want to touch anything, it's so gold or bespeckled with jewels and fine linens. They herd you through it like cattle too, and permit no photography--gotta keep those vendors happy! I have ordered the 1/350 figs--I hope they look right. By the way, I started the groundwork today but didnt have time tonight to post the pics--I will over the weekend--it's looking so cool!!!!!  I'm off to Jenn's for the night--talk to you guys tomorrow!

   Karl outstanding . I'm equally impressed that you were able to find a kit of this.

acmodeler01 wrote:

How was the inside of the castle when you went? I hear it's not as striking as the exterior.

I do appreciate all the "positive waves" going around here! LOL!

The interior of the castle is amazing--what there is of it! There's only one floor finished! ALl construction stopped when Ludwig II mysteriously drowned--ie, murdered. 

The ostentatious riches is mind-blowing, really. You simply can't believe that anyone could actually live in those rooms. YOu don't even want to touch anything, it's so gold or bespeckled with jewels and fine linens.

They herd you through it like cattle too, and permit no photography--gotta keep those vendors happy!

I have ordered the 1/350 figs--I hope they look right. By the way, I started the groundwork today but didnt have time tonight to post the pics--I will over the weekend--it's looking so cool!!!!! 

I'm off to Jenn's for the night--talk to you guys tomorrow!

I bet, if the PE figs are too small, it will still be more imporessive than if they are too big. Jenn will remember the monstrousity, but will immediately peg if the figures could jump and reach that archway.

Doog! Just discovered this during my semi-weekly foray into the Dio Forum!

Amazing amount of forethought in such a seemingly short amount of time.....but your judgement as to color and shading is impeccable! Your audience sees the project as you have it in your mind's eye IMO.

Fearing that I might omit someone's name, let me add that You Folks that are able to jump all around the realm of modeling and art are truly an inspiration! A few months ago you were busy placing bunny rabbits around a rusting hulk!

Perhaps you might print out all these replies when done and include them in a scratch-built XMas card for Jenn.

(How long until you do a dio of Auburn Prison? I dated a woman that lived on Wall St. (Auburn's Wall St. that is) BRRRRRRRR!!!! Chilling!)

I was going to mention 1/350th PE figs as well, but I was beat!

Anyway, that looks very nice, I dunno how I missed this one the first time around... How was the inside of the castle when you went? I hear it's not as striking as the exterior.

Mansteins revenge wrote:

Wow...I knew it was small, but that 35th badass tanker really put how small into perspective. I am even more impressed now! Try photetched figgies that ship modelers use in 1/350th or 1/700th scale...Eduard makes 'em and I'll bet you could modify 'em easily enough...the 350th scale ones would probably be better sized...

Wow...I knew it was small, but that 35th badass tanker really put how small into perspective. I am even more impressed now!

Try photetched figgies that ship modelers use in 1/350th or 1/700th scale...Eduard makes 'em and I'll bet you could modify 'em easily enough...the 350th scale ones would probably be better sized...

Wow...I knew it was small, but that 35th badass tanker really put how small into perspective. I am even more impressed now!

Try photetched figgies that ship modelers use in 1/350th or 1/700th scale...Eduard makes 'em and I'll bet you could modify 'em easily enough...the 350th scale ones would probably be better sized...

Summit wrote:

Doog -I am guessing from the knee height of the 1/35 mm dude that the arch is aprox. 15 mm tall.  That would mean for the miniature "Jenn & Doog " to look scale they would need to be about 5-6 mm tall.  My only two suggestions would be  (1) Find a Carnival that has the "Grain of Rice" Carver and have him make them or (2) Take the picture of the two of you and reduce it on your printer and trim it out and glue it to a piece of .005" styrene with a stickpin to fit in a pre drilled hole !

Thanks guys, for your comments--I'll be gluing it down to the base tonight, and starting on the base vegetation tomorrow!

Doog, I'd say the figs are too big. The pic you found proves that I think.

Excellent weathering! It looks just like I remeber it.

Erik

Thanks, Sean, Steve, and Manny! Here's some more pics. These are shot in natural light, and include a 1/35 figure for reference:

Now, check this out-- some 1/220 figures that I scored off eBay--what do you al think of their scale? Do they look appropriately sized? Or do they look too big? They're supposedly the same size as the castle.

.....actually, I just found this picture, which seems to show that the figures are too big! 

Anybody know where I might find accurately scaled figures?

Really outstanding...these shots and your weathering have "toned" down the original entrance facade colors to where they look really good...love your technique on the bricks where instead of trying to individually pick them out you "swirled" colors in that replicate the overall look of the pattern, unless your eyes are right on them---great artistic technique...you nailed the greenish patina on the copper roofs...

Top notch, doog...she should love it...

...you should carve some tiny figs that represent you and her at the entrance...  

Totally cool. I'm having a hard time gauging how large the model is... mind taking a shot for scale with, maybe, a 1/35 figure next to it?

The weathering is top-notch work, doog. 

Doog - I know model railroaders who would kill to be able to weather structurs as well as you did Jenn's Castle. What a Fantastic Build you have guided us through again. Trina (my Wife) wanted me to tell you - "It is Absolutely Gorgeous "

Some N scale model railroad ballast would really trick out the base with the illusion of boulders !

Well, here we go!

Here's where I am so far. I do believe that the castle is finished!

Here's an overview of the pieces so far...I gave the roofs a bit of weathering. Some of them ere given light washes of light gray oils, and streaks of the same. Others, like the turret tops and one of the roofs in particular was given an oil "patina" of light white/green...EVERY seam, window, corner, seam, etc, was given a pin wash--either black-gray on the white, or raw umber on the tan parts.

It's a little harsh in the flash--it doesn't look like this in "real life".

This got the most "patina"...

Here's the gate house in "real light"--not as garish as the flash pictures; compare it to the picture in the previous post above...

 ...and this interior too...

The weird thing about this scale is that, I have found that in actual scale, you have to use slightly brighter colors in order to "translate" to the correct shades. If I used darker, more muted colors, it wouldn't look as realistic in my opinion.

Here's some shots on the base. The base has also been given a wash of raw umber+orange for a nice warm "dirt/forrest floor" color. I still have to install three stairways in the inner perimeter..

And compare to the real thing:

Here's what I'll be going for with the base...note the bright color of the gatehouse, and the "patina" of the roofs?

I should have something more on the base in a few days. I really don't expect it to take that long, to be honest!

Comments appreciated again!

the doog wrote:

I'll have an update late tonight after I get home from Jenn's house!  WATCH THIS SPACE! LOL!

Tune in same time same channel for the next wonderful episode of The Doog's

WATCH THIS SPACE!

For more construction on this small castle......

Remember this is rated G.F. (Great and fantastic).  Don't miss a chilling episode. 

Next serial chapter will be..........?????.  Only the Doog's nose knows....

John

Geist wrote:

BTW, I was standing on that exact bridge this past summer.

Here we are on the ramp right in front of the entrance:

...and for Manny--here's the colors of the bricks and walls in the front and back of the entrance:

Thanks, too for the compliments Erik, and Papa John! (Your post made me laugh! )

I'll have an update late tonight after I get home from Jenn's house! 

WATCH THIS SPACE! LOL!

Way to go Doog.  Another masterpiece you have created.  Do I detect another FSM article or your creation the in the photo section. 

Little doog and Jenn as mentioned is a good idea.  Maybe doog swimming the alligator filled moat to save his betroved queen or scaling the wall to rescue the damsel in distress.

All kidding aside Doog great work.

I see so many fantastic works of - art - not just models they are works of art by so many talented people, I feel hesitant in even consider posting a picture since I am still only working on my third model since I started.

Seeing the picture of you and Jenn is great as you talk so fondly of her.  Better hold on to that little treasure or I might mosey on in.  .  Remember I may be an old codger, but I can still run faster scared that you can mad.

John

alter ego - PaPa-John - wanna be modeller.

Hans von Hammer wrote:

Hans--- Thanks too! Hey what if you painted that helo pink? LOL! She'd think I'd gone 'round the bend and was watching reruns of "Riptide"... Waste of a perfectly good H-34 Chocktaw if ya ask me...

OMG!!!! Riptide.... Kill it!!!    Kill it with fire!!!

That thats awesome. It looks great. I've never seen kits of famous buildings before. Thats kinda cool.

BTW, I was standing on that exact bridge this past summer.

Hans von Hammer wrote:

Hans--- Thanks too! Hey what if you painted that helo pink? LOL! She'd think I'd gone 'round the bend and was watching reruns of "Riptide"... Waste of a perfectly good H-34 Chocktaw if ya ask me...

Thanks, Huxy, and smeagol!

I did find some tiny railroad figures--I think they're like, 'Z" scale or something--I mat put them in, if they look right. I think they're just ahair too tall, but they're really close!

Manny--thanks, friend! I had to laughg about the "Faeries" thing--where ya gonna find faeries"! LOL!

This company actually does a whole line of Japanese castles--really strange looking, some of them. This European castle is probably the only one of its kind that they do though.

I know what you mean about the color of the facades in the photos---that's my flash; I had to take these at night, instead of the usual daylight I shoot in. But the buildings are very nearly that bright, especially when the sun shines on them. I'll post some photos when I do the next update--probably later tonight!

Thanls for commenting, guys!

Doog, that is really good work on a cool kit---talk about winning points with the g/f...mine has been after me for a year to do a dio with fairies in it for her---FAIRIES!!! Might ahve to though, cause she saw your castle...thanks...

Only nitpicks: the colors used for the smaller buildings are really bright...I might have lightened them a bit to give 'em more scale-effect...great work though...I've seen this kit around a few times; pretty neat idea for a model...maybe we'll see other famous landmarks modeled in plastic---White House, Eifel Tower, etc.....Great Wall of China---wait, that's too big... 

what a cute couple, her hair is almost as long as yours now!

Thats a nice looking kit, I cant wait to see it finished.  Are you gona make a little 1/220 scale doog n Jenn? 

Atleast you have a reason to hide it from her, as opposed to hans here, having to hide it so he doesnt get yelled at, hehe

Now that's a pretty meaningful present.. She'll love it ;)

And what a great kit too! Looks awsome.. also the brick effect... just awsome! 

vespa boy wrote:

Nice work on that Doog. What a great idea, to build an aide memoire of a dream holiday. Very cool.  Wasn't it built by Ludwig II, the slightly kooky Baviarian? Did you also visit Sloss Nympenburg, one of his other castles in Munich?

Yes, this was built by "Mad Ludwig the IInd"--although that appellation seems to have been more an effort to justify his probable-murder on the grounds that he had pillaged Bavaria's coffers for his castles and lifestyle, and bankrupted his country. It seems to me that he was "offed" by a conspiracy of more fiscally-minded members around him. 

We didn't get to see his other castles--we did start our vacation/holiday in Munich, but it was only to pick up a rent-a-car and drive to Schwangau.

I've been in Munich since then, but on busioness, and di not have time to sightsee much.

Nice work on that Doog. What a great idea, to build an aide memoire of a dream holiday. Very cool.

 Wasn't it built by Ludwig II, the slightly kooky Baviarian? Did you also visit Sloss Nympenburg, one of his other castles in Munich?

hahaha I looked at that picture and the first thing that came into my mind was "Boy you got a perdy mouth"

But seriously what's with that lipstick?

the doog wrote:

Jenn is in college now,, for Pre-Med, and thoroughly swamped by Organic Chemistry this semester

My schools pride and joy is its Nursing department and everyone I know is hating that class right now. Between that, Anatomy and Microbiology, some of my friends are really rethinking their career plans

Anyway, I can't wait to see this with thouse autum colors, sounds like its going to look real pretty. Were you going to extend the base from the rocks provided or just set it onto some wood and mount it as is?

Hans--- Thanks too! Hey what if you painted that helo pink? LOL!

She'd think I'd gone 'round the bend and was watching reruns of "Riptide"...

Waste of a perfectly good H-34 Chocktaw if ya ask me...

Thanks, guys!

Thank you, mikael! I'm goin to post a pic of the gatehouse for comparison in mynext update!

psstoff95, hiding it has been a bit of an issue! But being that Jenn is in college now,, for Pre-Med, and thoroughly swamped by Organic Chemistry this semester, I've been mostly going over her house, so I haven't had to hide it too much. She did spend the weekend here though, and I had to re-box it, and stow it in the kitchen, hidden in the cardboard box it came in! LOL! She was dying to peek! 

Thanks, too, SteveM! I know how you feel--I almost wanted one for myself! It's a really sharp-looking kit!

panzer_dan, I plan to do the base with my own materials--I plan to do it in an autumn setting, with colored trees off-setting the pines in the rear of the castle. It's going to be pretty amazing if it comes out the way I see it in my mind!Thanks for commenting!

Hans--- Thanks too! Hey what if you painted that helo pink? LOL!

Nice work, Doog... My Household 6 had a comment too... She said, "So.. he built a MODEL... FOR her?? Don't you even THINK abut it! If YOU give me a model, it'd better be made outta gold..."

So much for the 1/35th Blackhawk I had my eye on...  

WOW!! Simply amazing! I also like how you "suggested" the bricks! Are you going to use the supplied groundwork,or make it more realistic?

dan

That is truly amazing, doog. What an interesting subect, and model. I wish you were making one for me... I'd just sit and stare at it all day. Wouldn't get anything else done.

I know she's gonna love it.

Steve